The Godfather Is Coming To Branson!

[Gatorjet]

Pizza that is. On 76 just up from 65 in what was once Backyard Burger.

"A couple from the Kansas City area are making Branson their new home and are bringing a business with them.

David and Kathy Crowdus, formerly of Liberty, are opening a Godfathers Pizza in the former Back Yard Burgers building on 76 Country Boulevard.

Weve been looking forward to this for a long time, and weve been looking forward to opening a business in Branson for a long time, but it just didnt materialize, David Crowdus said.

He said he and his wife looked at a dozen different properties over the past three or four years, but none of their plans came to fruition until now.

Its just a clear message what we were wanting to do at the time wasnt what (God) wanted us to do, so we just went on continuing doing our business in Kansas City, David Crowdus said.

The couple still owns two Godfathers Pizza restaurants in the Kansas City area, but their third restaurant will be different from the others.

Were going to continue to serve great pizza and pasta, but were going to have a roasted chicken bar with mashed potatoes, gravy, just an assortment, David Crowdus said. We thought Branson would be an ideal place for that. Were the first franchisee to do this new concept.

The only other roasted chicken bar is in a corporate store in Iowa, Crowdus said.

The Crowduses have owned Godfathers Pizza restaurants in Kansas City for 20 years and Davis Crowdus has worked in the food industry for twice as long."

Opening February 24. Pizza for me, roast chicken for Her! Great idea.

[jdmidwest]

I managed a Godfather's Pizza back in the 80's for 6 years. Best time of my life, and some of the best eating. They have all closed up shop in this area.

[Jack Jones]

Nope...Not gonna do it. NO MORE CORPORATE CHAINS!!!!!!!

Having moved from the greater NYC area, I had never eaten at a chain pizzeria until I moved out here. I couldn't and still can't understand why there aren't more Mom and Pop pizzerias or how people here can be so happy with mass produced crap. Right now the only pizza I'll eat in this area is Rocco's in Nixa.

That said, I am glad to see the retail space is filled and there will be jobs, don't get me wrong about that.

[Gatorjet]

Well, I forgot to give my opinion of the new Godfather's in Branson. We went in April, not too long after it opened. We were a little late, and didn't know if they would be closing up the hot buffet, so we just ordered a pizza. Thin crust pepperoni. Very good pizza, good, crispy thin crust, the sauce was just right as far as spice, and there was plenty of cheese, and pepperoni. I noticed that my guess was wrong about the buffet though. They kept everything, pizza, hot food, salad bar, and dessert pizzas well stocked right up to the time the buffet closed. 9:00 PM I think.

Godfather's x deuce.

We returned on our May visit to Branson, and this time tried the buffet. I knew the pizza was good, so kinda leaned a little more to the Broasted chicken, mashed taters, hot veggies, and salad. All were very good. The chicken is crispy, tender, juicy, but not greasy. Even with it in serving warmers. Everything again was well kept, and the employees friendly, and courteous. I did try a couple slices of the more unusual pizzas. Whitetail chicken for one, and taco pizza for the other. I thought the chicken was good, but did not care for the taco pizza. Just a little too strange for me

I also had a slice of one of the dessert pizzas. Pizza crust with what looked like fruit Danish filling. Actually, pretty good stuff.

Godfather's x trips!

Well, it's been a long Summer without a trip to Branson. But we were this weekend so we thought we would see how Godfather's was after six or seven months in business. Still as good as the first time we tried it. We met our Son-In-Law, and his co-worker who were working on a project in Kimberling City. He was a bit Leary when I told him to meet us there, but he and his friend were pleasantly surprised at how good a pizza, and hot food bar could be.

[ness]

I know we've got Godfather's around here, but I just haven't been in years and years. May have to give it a try again.

We've kinda settled into a pizza routine at my place. The kids like Dominos, and they're pretty close and it's nice to grab and go. Also have a Pizza Shoppe near home that does a really good job with things, and has a unique, crisp crust . They're a locally owned mini-chain with maybe 15-20 locations in the midwest. Best of all though, in my humble opinion, is the pizza that comes out of the ovens at stately ness manor.

[Flysmallie]

Godfather's is not too bad. It is probably my favorite for chain pizza. The buffet in Ozark is nice too as well as the one in Battlefield. And both have really nice people working there.

I'm a bit of a pizza junkie, best freaking way to serve food as far as I'm concerned and you can do so much with it. When I travel I try to eat at least one meal at a local pizzeria. I've had some crap and I've been pleasantly surprised. If you ever find yourself in Gulf Shores, AL then you have to go to Old World bakery and Pizza. It's a dive but so, so good.

But I'm like ness. The best pizza by far comes out of my own kitchen. My kids demand it and invite their friends. And they affectionately call me Pepperonnie.

[ness]

Pepperonnie -- I like it.

Next time you're up in KC I can take you to a place that's got really good NY style, if you weren't too spooked after your last visit.

[Flysmallie]

Next time you're up in KC I can take you to a place that's got really good NY style, if you weren't too spooked after your last visit.

Sounds good to me. I was supposed to be up there last week and was going to give you a call but my world collapsed.

[Flysmallie]

Right now the only pizza I'll eat in this area is Rocco's in Nixa.

Have you tried Bud & Walt's? It's okay, take it or leave it for me but my kids like it. I only mention it because it's in Nixa too.

Reeds Spring Pizza Company is a good one too if you are ever in that area.

[ness]

If you're down in Justin and Brian's 'hood, the Antler Motel in Gainesville has great pizza. Brian gave me that tip. It's been a few years -- I hope they're still doing it.